Pre Race:

There was so much to think about unrelated to running the days before this half marathon.  It wasn’t until Saturday night that it began to hit me, I had a race to run. 

The clothes were set on the bathroom floor (because that’s where I put my workout clothes for the following day). I never claimed to be a neat freak.  The running skirt, the sports bra, the short sleeve shirt with a back pocket (hope it’s not too cold for that shirt), Injinji socks and plain old undies (no thong when running), all clumped in a pile on the cold tile floor. 

On the counter, ready for the morning were my prepaid entry form, a list of forgotten groceries (needed for after the race), fuel belt loaded with sports beans (one for every 2 miles), a GU, 5-Hour Energy drink, Ipod arm band, Garmin (my running friend), pace band (so my ipod band won’t chafe my arm), and finally the Delta Lake Inn Restaurant Gift Certificate for brunch.

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Pre race fuel:   Banana with peanut butter, eaten at 6 am and a Marathon Snickers Energy bar picked at in route to Delta Lake (ate about 2/3rds).  *You can’t imagine how difficult it was to get that banana to stand up against the peanut butter jar!!!

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Shane and I went for a 2 mile jog.  I changed into running clothes for the race and we were off.  Ted had his bike route mapped out.  He was doing 30 while I ran. 

At Delta Lake:

We picked up my packet, no time chip.   A nice casual race.  The temperature was cool for standing around but just right for running.  Shed the coat before taking off.

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Hit the facilities 4 times within 45 minutes.  Hey! Gotta make sure, right?!!!  Set off to the starting line which was at the entrance of the park.  The National Anthem was sung and we were off.

Race Recap and Thoughts:

The first mile is the toughest then getting past the 3 mile point before finally feeling in the mood to run a race.  I seeded in the front 1/3 of runners which ended up being a good position for me. I saw Richard Cohen (an area elite runner) take off in front. He was so far ahead of everyone, I thought that’s going to be a tough run for him since there’s no competition.  Richard ended up winning overall with a record time for the course of 1:17. 

I had one sports bean at miles 2, 4 1/2, 7, 9, and 11.  At mile 9 1/2, I took the 5 Hour Energy drink and ended up not using the Gu at all.  Although the beans were going down, I think they may have begun to give me a little cramp and caused a couple of burps that could very easily have been more than just a burp.  BACK OFF THE BEANS! I drank at the water stops, except for the last one. They were set up about every 2 miles. 

My thoughts while running were how much I hated mile 8.  Not sure why?  There’s just something about miles 7 to 9 in a half marathon that’s very unappealing.  Maybe because its the middle of the run and you’re a bit tired but still trying to reserve the energy to go all out at the end.

There was a stretch in the run that cuts through a neighborhood.  Houses on both sides. It was DEAD QUIET. No one around.  I couldn’t hear anyone behind me.  There were only 3 runners ahead with quite a gap in between all of us.  It was the most boring stretch of the run and the most difficult even though it was flat.  I run better if I can hear people talking or even if they pass me. I like to play “catch up”.

The course was rolling but no extremes.  It was 13.2 miles right around Delta Lake.  I thought a black cat crossed my path at one point but she was grey and I breathed a sigh of relief.  Superstitious?  Yes I am!

It was nice to pass the 9 mile point, 10 miles, then 11.   I checked Garmin.  My average pace was 8:17. Not good.  Speed it up.  There was one last hill, then mile 13.  I could see the finish.  Turned it on and crossed the line at 1:48, average pace was 8:13.  I maintained an even pace throughout the run.  Fastest at 7.43 (last mile) and slowest at 8.32. My goal was 1:45, a bit too aggressive for me but what the hey –

if you don’t reach for the stars you’ll never know right?! 

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I was the 5th female in my age group and 38 out of 150 runners. Lots of comps. on my outfit…Note to self:  When fishing for comps. always run in a skirt and make sure the outfit matches.  🙂

The hamstring was achy before the race but it didn’t get any worse while running so all was good there.

We just took a quick peak at the results because we were HUNGRY!

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1:48 is still a PR so we celebrated at brunch

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or rather BLUper (B reakfast, L unch, s UPER) – so the waiter called it.

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After Race Eats:

First plate: eggs, mini bagel, fruit, potatoes.

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Second plate: whole grain roll, pasta salad, fish, mashed potatoes, and garlicky vegetable medley.  No way could I finish the bread nor the potatoes but did enjoy the fruit, eggs, fish, and veggies.

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Ted surprised me by going for dessert. He said it was painful but he couldn’t resist.

Monday Recovery:  Leg workout with weights, nothing too heavy and a 6.25 mile easy run with Shane. He was a wild man and needed the workout. Crazy dog.  

What’s up for the coming week?  Any running on schedule?

Joanne

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